How to Draw a Chimpanzee: Easy 10-Step Guide for Kids

Ready to bring a jungle friend to life? This tutorial is perfect for young artists ages 5 and up. All you need is a pencil, an eraser, and a piece of paper to start building your own chimpanzee character today.

10 Steps

🎯 Final Result

A friendly, cartoon-style chimpanzee character, fully colored and ready for a jungle adventure.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sketching the Face

Close-up of a hand-drawn chimpanzee face showing eyes, pupils, and nose structure.

Start by drawing the chimpanzee's face. Sketch two half-circles for the eyes and add round pupils inside. Use curved lines for the eyelids and nose, then add two small teardrop shapes for the nostrils. Teacher's Tip: Keep your pencil lines light so you can easily erase any mistakes later!

Step 2: Defining the Facial Features

Drawing the mouth and facial contours of the chimpanzee.

Outline the face using curved lines above and beside the eyes. Add the mouth and contour the area below it. Teacher's Tip: Use short, quick strokes to suggest the texture of the chimp's skin around the nose.

Step 3: Adding the Fur

Adding jagged fur lines around the chimpanzee's face and chin.

Use a series of curved lines that meet at jagged points to frame the face and chin. Teacher's Tip: Don't worry about making the fur perfectly symmetrical; real fur is messy and organic!

Step 4: Ears and Brow

Drawing the ears and the top of the chimpanzee's head with fur details.

Draw the ears on the sides of the head and add contour lines inside. Add two layers of jagged fur on top of the head and two short lines above the brow. Teacher's Tip: The brow lines help give your chimp a curious expression.

Step 5: The Chest and First Arm

Sketching the chest and the first arm of the chimpanzee using jagged lines.

Continue using those jagged, furry lines to draw the chest and the first arm. Teacher's Tip: Imagine the fur is growing downward from the neck to keep your lines flowing in the right direction.

Step 6: The Second Arm and Hand

Drawing the second arm and the knuckle-walking hand of the chimpanzee.

Draw the second arm and the hand. Notice how the fingers are curled under—this is because chimps walk on their knuckles! Teacher's Tip: Use overlapping curved lines to make the hand look rounded and natural.

Step 7: The Remaining Hand and Leg

Drawing the second hand and beginning the rear leg of the chimpanzee.

Sketch the other hand and start the rear leg. Keep using those short, jagged lines to maintain the furry texture throughout the body.

Step 8: Adding Body Details

Adding details to the rear foot and back of the chimpanzee.

Enclose the rear foot and toes with overlapping curves. Complete the outline of the back and add a contour line to the chest. Teacher's Tip: A simple chest contour adds depth to your drawing.

Step 9: Finalizing the Outline

Finalizing the outline of the chimpanzee's rear leg and foot.

Finish the rear leg and foot. Check your drawing to make sure all your lines connect smoothly. Teacher's Tip: Once you're happy with the outline, you can go over it with a darker pencil or marker.

Step 10: Coloring Your Chimpanzee

A fully colored chimpanzee drawing with dark fur and a light brown face.

Time to bring your chimp to life! Use black or dark brown for the fur and a lighter brown for the face. Teacher's Tip: Try using light circular motions with your colored pencils to create a soft, furry texture.